Amid vociferous criticism from both the right and the left, House Speaker John Boehner is agreeing to hold a vote this week for a bill providing relief for states hit by superstorm Sandy, though the measure — the first of two — will represent only a fraction of the larger $60 billion package.
Boehner, changing his position just minutes after bearing the brunt of a scathing attack from Gov. Chris Christie, R-N.J., said he will hold a vote Friday for a $9 billion provision that will cover flood insurance for regions impacted by Sandy. He said Congress will vote on a $51 billion package when Congress reconvenes on January 15.
Recommended Stories
“Getting critical aid to the victims of Hurricane Sandy should be the first priority in the new Congress, and that was reaffirmed today with members of the New York and New Jersey delegations,” Boehner said Wednesday afternoon in a joint statement with House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va. “The House will vote Friday to direct needed resources to the National Flood Insurance Program. And on January 15th, the first full legislative day of the 113th Congress, the House will consider the remaining supplemental request for the victims of Hurricane Sandy.”
Read more at CBS News.
